Mart trade has performed favourably in the first six months of 2017, with prices for the top one-third of cattle steady when compared with the same period in 2016.

Prices for lesser quality cattle have fallen below 2016.

Steers weighing 400kg to 500kg are selling 18c/kg on average, or €81 on a 450kg steer, below 2016.

The lower prices are stemming from higher numbers of dairy-bred animals and in some cases a deterioration in the quality of dairy-bred animals on offer.

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